Südafrika Boutique-Roadtrip – Kapstadt, Garden Route & Addo Safari

About the destination: Cape Town is the second largest city in South Africa and is the capital of the Western Cape Province, as well as being the legislative capital of South Africa, Cape Town holds the parliament although the capital of South Africa is Pretoria. Cape Town is situated at the base of Table Mountains which is surrounded by both the Atlantic and Indian Ocean. Cape Town is a place which has everything from beautiful mountains and great beaches to scenic mountain ranges and delicious wine routes. Walk around Green market square or through the squirrel filled gardens by the SA Cultural History Museum just of the main Adderley Street. The esplanade in the shadows of the City Hall serves as a stage for political rallies as well as a market selling anything from food to clothes. The Castle of Good Hope overlooks the esplanade and it is the oldest colonial building in South Africa. One of the oldest residential areas of Cape Town, the Bo Kaap is a unique neighborhood with a strong cultural and social history. Visit Nobel Square and see a tribute to four of South Africa's Nobel Peace Prize winners. Cape Town has some of the finest beaches in Africa, all of which have the clean white beach sand particular to the Cape. Cape Town is a spectacular place with something for everyone, sun, beaches, friendly people, African culture, good food, great wine and fantastic scenery. What are you waiting for?

About the destination: Nestled between towering mountains in the beautiful Cape winelands lies the magnificent Franschhoek Valley. This is the food and wine heartland of the country, where splendid wines are grown and our top chefs create international cuisine. Here breath-taking scenery, warm hospitality, world class cuisine and the finest wines all combine to create lasting memories. Spectacular vineyards cover these mountain slopes settled more than 300 years ago by the Huguenots, who brought with them their age-old French wine and food culture. This is a valley rich in history centered around a picturesque village of friendly, welcoming people. The wonderful spectrum of visitor accommodation ranges from internationally renowned auberges and guest houses to self-catering cottages on wine farms and much more besides. In the village you will find wonderful crafts, art and antique shops and galleries. The main street is lined with coffee shops and restaurants. Only 45 minutes from Cape Town Franschhoek is the ideal base while you explore the entire Cape winelands. Historical and Cultural Heritage After the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in France in 1685, when Protestantism was outlawed, hundreds of so-called Huguenots fled their homeland, 277 of them arriving by ship at the Cape of Good Hope. Many of them were given land by the Dutch government in a valley called Oliphantshoek (Elephant’s Corner) – so named because of the vast herds of elephants that roamed the area. Soon after they settled here, it become known as Franschhoek (French Corner). This heritage lives on today with the Huguenot monument standing proudly at the top of the village. The museum nearby chronicles the history of those brave pioneers, with each of the original Huguenot farms having its own fascinating story to tell. Wonderful Wines Driving into Franschhoek you will notice that most of the farms still bear their original French names and are usually complete with a spectacular Cape Dutch homestead, towering oaks and luscious vineyards. There are a variety of cellars, from small boutique wineries that cater for those in search of something unique, and large cellars that offer organized tours and conducted tastings. The Gourmet Capital Although it varies by year up to eight of South Africa’s “Top 100” restaurants are in Franschhoek – the gourmet capital of the country. Leading chefs create everything from world-class cuisine to light meals using the freshest produce of the valley, complemented by the wonderful local wines. Linger a while and savour the hospitality, ambience and variety of our many great restaurants.

About the destination: Hermanus is a town on the southern coast of the Western Cape province of South Africa. It is famous for southern right whale watching during the southern winter and spring and is a popular retirement town. The whales can be seen from the cliffs in the town centre as early as June and usually depart in early December. They were once hunted in the nearby town of Betty's Bay, but are now protected to ensure the survival of the species. The Old Harbour Museum contains several exhibitions that explain the whaling industry, and the De Wetshuis Photo Museum houses an exhibition of photos by T D Ravenscroft that depicts the history of Hermanus. The Whale Museum houses a skeleton of a whale and shows an audio-visual presentation of whales and dolphins twice daily.

About the destination: Discover the untamed beauty of Wilderness, an enchanting seaside town nestled in the heart of South Africa's Garden Route. A paradise for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers, Wilderness offers a tranquil retreat amid lush forests, serene lakes, and pristine beaches. Start your journey by exploring the Wilderness National Park, a biodiversity hotspot brimming with an array of flora and fauna. Here, you can enjoy bird watching, hiking, and canoeing through the network of rivers and lakes. Don't miss the chance to visit the Map of Africa Viewpoint, where you'll be amazed by the breathtaking panoramic view of the Kaaimans River Valley shaped like the African continent. Feel the soft sand under your feet as you stroll along the Wilderness Beach, a seemingly endless stretch of coastline lapped by the warm Indian Ocean. This spot is a haven for beach lovers and surfers, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and water sports. Take to the skies with paragliding from Dolphin's Point and soar over the jaw-dropping landscapes. Paragliding is a popular activity in Wilderness, thanks to its ideal wind conditions and stunning aerial views. The quaint town itself is filled with charming cafes, gourmet restaurants, and boutique shops. Taste the local cuisine, indulge in fresh seafood, and shop for unique souvenirs to remember your trip. As the sun sets, head to one of the many viewpoints like Dolphin’s Point or the Kaaimans River Bridge, which provide a spectacular backdrop of the sun melting into the ocean. Wilderness is not just a destination; it's an experience that stays with you long after you've left. It is a place where you can disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with nature. Whether you're seeking adventure, tranquility, or a bit of both, Wilderness, South Africa, is a destination that promises a truly unforgettable journey.

About the destination: Plettenberg Bay nicknamed Plet or Plett, is the primary town of the Bitou Local Municipality in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. It was originally named Bahia Formosa ("beautiful bay") by early Portuguese explorers and lies on South Africa's Garden Route 210 km from Port Elizabeth and about 600 km from Cape Town.

About the destination: Addo Elephant National Park is a diverse wildlife conservation park situated close to Port Elizabeth in South Africa and is one of the country's 19 national parks. It currently ranks third in size after Kruger National Park and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. The original section of the park was founded in 1931, in part due to the efforts of Sydney Skaife, in order to provide a sanctuary for the eleven remaining elephants in the area. The park has proved to be very successful and currently houses more than 600 elephants and a large number of other mammals.